Food Safety Analyst, R&D

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is a leading fast-casual restaurant chain known for its commitment to serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. With locations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, Chipotle stands out in the competitive food industry by owning and operating all its restaurants in North America and Europe. The company is dedicated to cultivating a better world by innovating its dining experience and supporting sustainable business practices. Chipotle’s mission extends beyond offering nutritious food; it focuses on digital transformation, technology leadership, and making better food accessible to everyone while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization.

The opportunity at Chipotle is for an Analyst, Food Safety Quality Assurance (R&D) role based at the Chipotle Cultivate Center (CCC) in Irvine, CA, near the Newport Beach Corporate Office. This position is full-time and does not offer remote work options. The role is pivotal in supporting the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Research & Development team through the execution of sensory and quality evaluations of Chipotle’s product portfolio within the CCC. The Analyst will collaborate closely with culinary experts, commercialization teams, and suppliers to ensure that all products meet Chipotle’s high standards for safety and quality across its extensive restaurant network.

Key responsibilities include conducting physical and analytical product evaluations across a variety of food categories such as proteins, legumes, tortillas, dairy, ready-to-eat/drink (RTE/RTD) products, and non-food items. The incumbent will analyze and synthesize evaluation results, producing comprehensive reports that detail sensory, analytical, and microbiological findings. These reports will provide actionable insights that guide cross-functional teams and suppliers in product decision-making.

The role demands meticulous project management skills to maintain and update R&D trackers and timelines, ensuring transparent communication of ongoing menu evaluations and product modifications. Additionally, the Analyst will validate cleaning procedures for new restaurant equipment and smallwares, contributing to food safety standards. Developing evaluation protocols and sensory tools tailored to specific product types and testing objectives is another important aspect of the position. Partnering effectively with suppliers and laboratory partners is necessary to ensure business and quality documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

The Analyst will also support root cause analysis investigations of food quality issues in collaboration with suppliers, gathering technical data and assisting in corrective action planning. Contributing technical insights to restaurant training materials and participating in working sessions to uphold food safety and quality further underline the importance of this role within Chipotle’s R&D framework. Active participation in cross-functional project meetings will allow for timely updates on product status and R&D progress.

This role is well-suited for individuals with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or Food Microbiology, complemented by 2 to 4 years of experience in restaurant, quick-service restaurant (QSR), food manufacturing, or food science environments. A ServSafe Manager Certification is preferred but can be obtained upon hire. Sensory and culinary training or the willingness to be trained are required to excel in this position. The role demands strong competencies in data analysis, critical thinking, and communication, as well as strong organizational and time management abilities to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Chipotle offers a competitive base salary estimated between $77,000 to $110,000 annually, along with eligibility for annual cash bonuses and equity awards based on performance. The company provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k), sick leave, vacation time, and more. Chipotle values diversity and inclusion and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities.